Rafael Esparza Saldaña

Rafael Esparza Saldaña, 83, of Brownsville, TX, devoted husband, loving father, wonderful grandfather, fantastic brother, and an authentic friend, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at The Rio at Fox Hollow Nursing Home surrounded by dedicated staff and his son Jose Esparza. He was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

He is preceded in death by his son Pedro Esparza (35), whose passing devastated him and his favorite grandson, Andy Ralph Olguin (27). His father was from El Ranchito Texas and moved to Matamoros, Tamaulipas because of the War. His favorite dog, Chepo also died prematurely, as if sensing his owners’ early departure.

Left to cherish his memory is: his daughter Delia (with whom he had lunch all the time), his daughter Eva (that always came to visit him from Houston with her husband Andres Olguin), and his daughters Diana and Chela.  His son Jose Enrique Esparza was at his bedside for several years, caring for him.  His wife Francisca (Panchita), grandchildren: (Jesse Lee Olguin, Bonnie Garza, Abraham Garza), and great-grand-children (Danilo, Liam, Julieta, Gael, Sofia).

He will be greatly missed.  He left behind his tomato garden, his beautiful guayaberas, his hats and caps and a long string of good memories (boxing matches, soccer games, baseball games, old stories from his youth) that will forever stay in our hearts.  He was a farmer, and enjoyed working at the garden. He had many friends and regularly visited them with his daughter Delia.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

A mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. (Sept. 29, 2017)

Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens at 11:30 AM (Sept. 29, 2017)

Pallbearers will be: Abraham Garza, Jesse Lee Olguin and Julian Olguin (grandchildren), Agustin Paredes, and Jose Esparza (son).